The state of Jammu and Kashmir is often referred to as the crown of India. This state houses the Western Himalayas in all its forms – from the arid, windy lands of Ladakh to the floral values of Srinagar and Sonmarg. The places to visit in Kashmir are characterized by their high altitude coniferous vegetation, clear views of the famous rugged mountain peaks of Pir Panjal, grassy golden valleys and phenomenal craft work of the several famous tribes that live in this region. Many tourists who visit this region for the first time miss out on crucial tourist places of Kashmir, at times so because they underestimate the versatility of this state.
In this article, we will prove to you that there is some location for sightseeing in Kashmir that lives up to the expectations of each of the visitors journeying towards this location. As is often said among travel enthusiasts, Kashmir never disappoints.
Incredible Tourist Places To Visit in Kashmir: The One And Only Heaven On Earth
1. Amarnath Temple
Lord Shiva is the main Deity in the Jammu Kashmir region and there are countless famous temples and other devotional places to visit in Kashmir in his name. The Amarnath Cave Temple is located in the Anantnag district, and today can be accessed by more than one route. However, the most famous way of reaching Amarnath is by stopping at the lovely hill station of Pahalgam. Pahalgam is a wonderful addition to the endless tourist places in Kashmir and definitely adds to the overall aesthetic experience of the tourist.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Time taken to visit: 1 day approximately
2. Vaishno Devi Temple
If there is any goddess who can top the popularity of Lord Shiva in Kashmir, that goddess has to be Mata Vaishno Devi. The Vaishno Devi Yatra is one of the most important places to visit in Kashmir and many pilgrims throughout the country travel to Kashmir simply for this Yatra. In order to reach Mata Vaishno Devi many tourists prefer to first stop at Jammu. Katra is a little tourist town that acts as a base camp location for those who want to journey to Mata Vaishno Devi. There are many other temples you can visit on the same journey.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Time taken to visit: 4 to 5 hours
3. Srinagar
Not enough can be said about this magical town of flowers and lakes. Srinagar is the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir and is probably the most famous hill station for sightseeing in Kashmir. Many interesting locations such as the Dal Lake, Kashmiri Mughal gardens like Chashme Shahi garden, Shankaracharya hill etc. allow everyone to have a complete experience. Most people who come to Srinagar also enjoy a houseboat stay, adventurous sporting, Kashmiri cuisine and shopping for local handicrafts.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 10 to 11 days
4. Gulmarg
Snowfall and winter sports – certain locations in Kashmir feel like they have transported you to some fascinating foreign destination. Gulmarg is a beautiful high-altitude hill station which is bereft of any natural settlement. However, every kind of luxury is available here and you can finally fulfil your dream of skiing, trekking on alpine terrain and enjoying a five-star resort experience in the heart of a snow-laden landscape when you are in Gulmarg. Golfers also called this hill station one of the prime places to visit in Kashmir because Gulmarg has literally the best natural golf course you can ever imagine.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 8 to 9 days
5. Sonmarg
The Golden Valley has often been called the most beautiful and dynamic valley in India. Sonmarg has so much to offer to nature lovers, including lakes, flower beds, glaciers, pine forests and meadows. Most of the region around Sonmarg is not inhabited, so tourists get a chance to experience visitor-centric services often on this trip. Sonmarg is definitely a magical inclusion in the top places to visit in Kashmir list, and even if you are not choosing Sonmarg this time you definitely have to make sure to come here sometime soon!
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 8 to 9 days
6. Dachigam National Park
National parks that are located in the middle of unique biospheres make for the best travelling experience for those who truly value the ecological diversity of our planet. Now, Kashmir is definitely an incomparable hotspot for conserved species – so much so that many places to visit in Kashmir will bring you close to endangered fishes, birds, plants and even larger animals like camels and deer. Dachigam National Park is a golden sanctuary for such species. It is located 22 km away from Srinagar city. It is a bright and sunny place that is always worth a visit.
Entry fee: 25 INR per person
Opening and closing timings: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (need to apply for permission to visit)
Time taken to visit: 4 to 5 hours
7. Yusmarg Valley
Those who want to come face to face with an out of the world, utterly magical experience – they somehow always seem to have an affinity for alpine meadows. Yusmarg Valley literally means the Valley of Jesus. It is located on the banks of a tributary of River Jhelum, lovingly called the Doodanga river. Here, spend time with your friends and family hiking upwards, picnicking, photographing or simply finding peace away from the more crowded tourist places in Kashmir in search of inspiration and natural wilderness. If you are looking to capture the pine forests of Kashmir in their natural glory, you will not get a chance like this one again!
Entry fee: 5 INR per person
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 5 to 6 hours
8. Drung Waterfall
have you ever looked at majestic, frozen waterfalls in pictures and videos and dreamt of visiting them yourself someday? Drung Waterfall is one of the most popular spots for sightseeing in Kashmir because it holds a massive, beautiful frozen waterfall all throughout the year. Tourists come here to get their pictures clicked and experience the joy of touching frozen ice. There are some proper safety regulations that tourists must learn before going to take a trip in these regions, So make sure you opt for a responsible and essential tourist agent who can guide you through these things!
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 2 hours
9. Kashmir Great Lakes trek
Being a famous state for Western Himalayas tourism, it is no surprise that Kashmir is famous for some of the most popular trekking experiences in India. The Kashmir Great Lakes track is a series of multiple tourist places in Kashmir because these are not just a series of beautiful lakes but also open, unbelievably attractive locations with adventurous activities available like paragliding, rock climbing etc. Although this lake is quite strenuous for some people, it cannot be denied that the Kashmir Great Lakes trek is one of the best long-tracking experiences that are safe for beginners.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 7 days
10. Naranag Gangabal Trek
Don’t treks that stay open throughout the year give a different sort of satisfaction when you are preparing your vacation to any hilly location? Naranag Gangabal Trek is one of the most popular trekking tourist places in Kashmir which some call the best experience in this state. The district is short but dynamic with picturesque stops that are quite fascinating in their abruptness. This tracking journey takes you first to the Naranag Buddhist monastery and allows you to explore the little Naranag Town. Then it carries on to reach the Gangabal lake at the foothills of Mount Harmukh.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 6 to 8 hours one way.
11. Kolahoi Glacier
A safe and beautiful Glacier that you can visit with all ages of family members without much physical exertion? Kolahoi Glacier checks all of the boxes! The trekking journey to this location starts from Pahalgam and only takes 4 to 5 hours. Not only does this Glacier itself provide you with a lifetime experience, but it also brings you closer to the hidden, perennially snow-capped mountain peaks of Kashmir, including the Kolahoi peak. Adding to that, it also lets you come face to face with the Indus river in its origin stages. No wonder it is the most coveted location for sightseeing in Kashmir.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 3 to 4 hours
12. Dal Lake
Everyone thinks of this one Lake when they think of places to visit in Kashmir. Dal Lake is famous not only for the astonishing view of the mountains surrounding it but also for the famous Shikara boats that sail on this lake. Dal Lake is also known as the ‘Lake Of Flowers’. It has been classified as their most visited spot in Srinagar, and one of the most popular locations for sightseeing in Kashmir. Tourists can also pre-book a houseboat for one or more nights and enjoy this lake from every angle. The area around Dal Lake is one of the busiest areas in Srinagar, and you will find excellent cafes and restaurants to crash in and explore the local Kashmiri, Punjabi and Tibetan cuisine.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 4 hours
13. Pahalgam
If you are an adventure lover, Pahalgam is the one-stop solution for everything that you could have possibly imagined on your next hill station trip. One of the most exotic places to visit in Kashmir, Pahalgam has everything from paragliding to woods trekking, dense pine forests and frozen lakes, old but revered temples like the Mamal Temple, famous vistas of the best of the Pir Panjal ranges and so much more. Pahalgam is also the best location to try skiing as a beginner, and also a wonderful place to start trout fishing as well. If you are planning to come to the Amarnath Yatra anytime soon, it is best to spend a few days in the lap of nature in Pahalgam first.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 5 to 6 days
14. Aru Valley
Imagine this – you walk along the banks of a lovely blue, sparkling river and encounter giant pines and deodar trees on the way as snow-covered mountains cave in to greet you on your simple morning walk. The Aru Valley is an enchanting commencement to the best experience of sightseeing in Kashmir anyone can ever have if they are as helplessly in love with the Himalayas as we are. This Valley has been specially designed and maintained to cater to the needs of adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts. Fascinating new adventures like helicopter skiing and white river rafting can be enjoyed in the Aru Valley. From here you can start your trekking journey to the Kolahoi Glacier or the Tarsar Lake.
Entry fee: 25 INR per person
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: minimum 1 to 2 days
15. The Springs and Gardens of Anantnag
When will we finally talk about the fabled Anantnag City itself? Here we are, and we are about to tell you how incomplete your trip to Kashmir will be without visiting Anantnag, Achabal, Kokernag and Verinag – all of which can be covered together in the span of a couple of days! Anantnag city itself is known as and you can enjoy classic Kashmiri dishes, horse riding, street photography and monument sightseeing here. ‘Nag’ in the local language refers to ‘spring’, so get ready to come face to few of the most bountiful springs of the Himalayas in Kokernag and Achabal, both of which had been restored by Emperor Jahangir who also built exquisite Mughal Gardens around these springs. Did you know that a tiny spring in Verinag is the origin spot of the mighty river Jhelum?
Entry fee: 15 to 25 INR per person at each location
Opening and closing timings: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Time taken to visit: 2 to 3 hours
16. Jammu City
The largest cities of Kashmir have a lot to offer when it comes to culture and history. Jammu City is perhaps the richest of them all, and this city alone can be enough to cover all your sightseeing in Kashmir needs in terms of nature, historical grandeur and luxurious tourism experience. Most importantly this city is a pilgrim city, with endless pilgrims visiting Ranbireshwar Temple, Kol Kondoli Mata Mandir, Bhaironath Mandir etc. The closest large city to Mata Vaishno Devi mandir is also Jammu. If you are interested in the Hindu pandit culture of the Dogra times in Kashmir, don’t forget to spare some time for the uniquely refreshing Dogra Art Museum in Jammu.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 10 to 11 days
17. Leh City
If Gulmarg can transport you to Switzerland, Leh City in Ladakh can definitely take you to some mythical fantasy land hidden deep in timeless Buddhist classics. There is a majestic fort located on a hilltop in Leh known as the Leh Palace from where you can see the arid, mysterious lands roll out like some Arabian night’s tale. All throughout your journey, you will meet again and again The immortal descendants of the fabled Kingdom of Ladakh, but you will also find spiritual peace in Buddhist monasteries, luxurious joy in Street shopping and a complete satisfaction that only Tibetan food can provide.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: opening and closing timings
Time taken to visit: 10 to 11 days
18. Kargil
one cannot think of this location without thinking of India’s proud victory in 1999. Kargil is one of the most historically revered places to visit in Kashmir and every proud Indian has dreamed of going here at least once. And although Kargil is extremely close to POK, it is this location that makes it so beautiful and untouched as a destination for natural sightseeing in Kashmir. All meadows, grasslands and pine groves are open for visitors and you can enjoy more if you drive out to nearby villages. The inhabitants of these villages still live a traditional, wooden cabin life. Some camping sites also encourage all-night camping and stargazing!
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 5 to 6 days
19. Khilanmarg
How can we talk about Kashmir and not reserve the best, untouched meadow for the satisfaction of our readers? Believe us, the meadows of Kashmir are not second to any in the world. Some are so high that you will feel like you are about to touch a cloud. Seasonal waterfalls and streams run through Khilanmarg in spring and summer. Exploring flowers is the most popular task that tourists undertake. The Saint Mary Church in Khilanmarg is a tranquil and beautiful church that will remind you of medieval Europe.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 3 to 4 days
20. Aharbal Waterfall
Kashmir has its own Niagara falls – yes, this is exactly the expression that most tourists give when they come face to face with this enchanting location for sightseeing in Kashmir! It is a luxurious, rugged location that feels eternal at all times. Especially at the beginning of spring when the snow has just melted on the mountain peaks, the flow and force of the waterfall are such that it is scary and yet thrilling. This location is preferred by Instagrammers and photography enthusiasts, as well as those who just want to sit near a gushing waterfall and have some warm, mountain Maggi.
Entry fee: 20 INR per person
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 3 hours
21. Doodhpathri Valley
The valley of milk has been named this way for a reason. If you want to experience Scotland in Kashmir, don’t forget to check out this lesser-known gem among the many meadow and Valley-based tourist places in Kashmir. The beautiful story behind the conception of the name Doodhpathri gives just the final touch – Sheikh Nuruddin Noorani once reached this meadow in search of water. When he struck the ground water did not come out but the milk did. Sheikh commanded the milk that from now on it was only to be used for drinking and not ablution. Hence, the milk turned to water.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 5 to 6 days
Frequently Asked Questions?
A. Most tourists take multiple trips to Kashmir to explore each region properly. For popular regions like Srinagar and Gulmarg, a complete trip can easily take 10 to 12 days.
A. From a practical estimation it can be assumed that the Kashmir Great Lakes trek needs at least 7 days to reach completion.
A. The best time of the year to visit Mata Vaishno Devi temple is between October and March.
Conclusion
Tourist places in Kashmir take not one but multiple trips to get explored fully. If it is your first trip to Kashmir, make sure that your Kashmir travel package includes not only the famous sightseeing locations that you want to visit but also all the interesting activities that you want to experience as a part of your Kashmir bucket list. Our trained and experienced agents are able to create an itinerary that includes the fascination of every member of a trip without leaving anyone out!
